German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants the European Union to make progress on a common asylum system, warning that member states who expect financial support from the bloc need to show solidarity when it comes to migrants too.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Saturday underscored the importance of offering countries in the West Balkans the prospect of EU membership, but insisted they must resolve all border disputes before joining the bloc.

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Gennimatas reacted to comments by a Turkish foreign ministry spokesman on Saturday, accusing the neighboring country of violating international law and calling upon Ankara officials to comply with European political norms.

After the decision taken by the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to rename the country’s main airport and a highway, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said on Friday that his country has matured and doesn’t need to dip into ancient history to build up its confidence.

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With the help of volunteers, dozens of child refugees and single mothers dressed up to celebrate the Carnival season at the Moria refugee camp on Lesvos on Friday. The revelry was organized to lift the spirits of the refugees, many of whom have been living in cramped conditions at the center which has been criticized by human rights groups. Earlier this month, the United Nations refugee agency warned of an increase in physical violence and sexual assault at the Moria camp, citing scores of reports of sexual or gender-based violence. [ANA-MPA]